Committee publication · Correspondence · 19 May 2026
Correspondence from Minister for Digital Economy, re: Strategic Priorities for Telecommunications, the Management of Radio Spectrum, and Postal Services, 27 April 2026
Summary
The Minister for Digital Economy notifies the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee that the Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, radio spectrum management, and postal services has been designated under Section 2A of the Communications Act 2003 on 27 April 2026. The statement completed a 40-day parliamentary objection period ending 17 April with no blocking resolutions. Ofcom must now have regard to the statement when exercising its functions and report within 40 days on planned actions and annually thereafter.
Key findings
- The Draft Statement of Strategic Priorities was laid before Parliament on 11 February 2026 and underwent a 40-day objection period ending 17 April 2026 with no parliamentary blocking resolutions
- Designation on 27 April 2026 activates Section 2A of the Communications Act 2003, binding Ofcom to have regard to the statement when exercising its functions
- Ofcom must submit within 40 days of designation a report setting out what actions it plans to take in consequence of the statement, followed by annual reporting on implementation
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Baroness Lloyd of Effra, Dame Chi Onwurah, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, Ofcom, Secretary of State
Notable line
“Ofcom will be required to have regard to the statement, once designated, when exercising its functions and must set out …”
Key Quotes
“… the Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services will be designated for the purposes of Section 2A of the Communications Act 2003 on 27 April”
“Under section 2B of the Act, Ofcom will be required to have regard to the statement, once designated, when exercising its functions and must set out, within 40 days of designation, what actions it plans to take in consequence of the statement.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗